The term 'linger on' can be expressed in two words: 'DWELL' and 'STAY'. 'DWELL' is a five-letter word meaning to live in a particular place or to remain in a state or condition for a long time. 'STAY' is a four-letter word meaning to remain in the same place or position, or to continue to exist. Together, these two words describe the act of lingering on, which is to remain in a certain place or state for an extended period of time.